Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka defied his age and world ranking to stun top seed Andrey Rublev in the Stockholm Open quarterfinals on Friday. The 39-year-old Swiss, now ranked 217th, displayed his trademark resilience and shot-making prowess to overcome the seventh-ranked Russian 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5).
Wawrinka’s victory marked his first triumph over a top-10 player this year and propelled him into the semifinals, where he will face American fourth seed Tommy Paul. The 2021 Stockholm champion defeated Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6 (9/7), 6-2.
“I cannot change my age, but most important for me is that when I enter the court, I always try to fight,” said Wawrinka, who became the third-oldest semi-finalist in modern ATP Tour history behind Jimmy Connors and Ivo Karlovic.
“I try to improve and enjoy what I am doing. The reason I keep going is to play matches like this, with so many people giving me good energy on the court, and I’m super happy to have the chance to play one more match tomorrow.”
Wawrinka’s performance was a testament to his unwavering determination and the enduring quality of his game. He fired down 14 aces and converted his first match point to reach the semi-finals in the Swedish capital for the first time in four attempts.
“The key was to stay focused and positive with myself,” said Wawrinka, who had let a 2-0 lead in the second set slip.
The former world number three is now bidding for his 17th ATP title and first since Geneva in 2017. His victory over Rublev also dealt a blow to the Russian’s hopes of qualifying for the eight-player ATP Finals for a fifth consecutive year. Rublev currently sits eighth in the standings, with four players below him, including Paul, still competing this week.
